Frequently Asked Question

Anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) is an electroanalytical technique used to determine the concentration of trace metals in a sample. Here's how it works:
1. Preconcentration: The sample is first brought into contact with a working electrode, typically a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) or a glassy carbon electrode. The metal ions in the sample are reduced at the electrode surface, forming an amalgam (for mercury electrodes) or depositing as a thin film (for other electrodes).
2. Stripping: After a predetermined deposition time, the potential of the electrode is scanned anodically (increasing potential). This causes the deposited metal to oxidize and dissolve back into the solution.
3. Measurement: The current resulting from the oxidation process is measured as a function of the applied potential. This produces a voltammogram, which shows a peak corresponding to the oxidation of the metal. The peak height is directly proportional to the concentration of the metal in the sample.
Key features of ASV:

High sensitivity: ASV is a very sensitive technique, capable of detecting metals at concentrations as low as parts per billion (ppb).
Simplicity: ASV is relatively simple to perform, requiring minimal sample preparation.
Versatility: ASV can be used to analyze a wide variety of samples, including environmental, biological, and industrial samples.
Applications of ASV:

Environmental monitoring: Measuring heavy metals in water, soil, and air.
Food safety: Detecting trace metals in food products.
Clinical chemistry: Analysing trace metals in biological fluids like blood and urine.
Industrial process control: Monitoring metal contamination in industrial processes.